Bertha Lee Lewis Day of St. Johns, AZ, and recently of Legacy Assisted Living in Mesa, AZ, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2015. She was surrounded by all of her 8 children and many of their spouses.
Bertha was the 8th of Raymond Grady and Bertha Hine Lewis’ 10 children and was born August 24, 1932, in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Her early life was spent on ranches in New Mexico and later, in Sanders, AZ where her parents ran the post office, gas station, café and trading post. She was a bright, energetic child who developed an early love of reading. She graduated early from high school at age 16 and then excelled as a younger-than-usual student at Northern Arizona University. There, she was the editor of the Lumberjack, her junior and senior years. Both years, the yearbook won national awards. She also was the Student Body Secretary and the Outstanding Woman Student of the Year two years in a row. In her senior year, she met and fell in love with Joseph Marlow Day. They were married the day after graduation. The President of the university performed their marriage.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many positions. She was dedicated to her faith and to her family.
As a 1st thru 3rd grade teacher, Bertha loved the hundreds of children she taught during her career. She delighted in giving them the same joy for reading and learning she treasured thru her life.
Though Bertha was plagued with poor health in her adult years, she gave unfailing service to many, and most especially, to her family. She took care of each of her parents and also her husband’s parents, until their deaths, even as her own health failed. She continued to work diligently in genealogical research and gave cheer to others. She never lost her sense of fun and kindness, her joy in her family or the beautiful smile and quick wit she shared with everyone.
When she and Marlow moved to Mesa into assisted living, her days were brightened by daily visits from children and grandchildren. But part of her heart stayed in St Johns.
Bertha is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 62 years, Joseph Marlow Day, currently residing in Mesa, brother Tom Lewis (Sharon) of Montana, sister Patsy Heimer (Tony) of Saskatchewan and her eight children; Linda Owens (Collins) of Gilbert, Laurie Platt (Randy) of Chandler, Karen Crosby (Elliott) of Mesa, Daryl Stegal (John) of Montecito CA, David Day (Shanna) of Mesa, Damon Day (Diane) of Meridian ID, Christopher Day (Janna) of Mesa, and Channen Day (Sarah) of Central AZ, 42 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, April 17, 2015 at 10:30 am at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 10am in St. Johns, in the downtown chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Visitation will be at 9am in the Relief Society Room. Burial will be in the Westside Cemetery in St. Johns.
Dear Day Family,
I am very sorry to hear of your wife/mother/grandma’s passing. I never had her as a teacher, but I will always remember her as kind of loving. I love your family so much (Daryl & David especially!) and I know the sadness/happiness that you are probably feeling. How thankful I am for the knowledge I have of our Savior. Please know that I am thinking of you and praying for your family.
All my love,
Chrissie Patterson McBride
I will always remember her as someone with a kind heart. I know she will be very much missed.
Our time in St Johns was brightened by Marlo & Bertha Day. Thank you for such warm memories. I love seeing the Day kids making their way through life and sharing that same happiness with all they meet. May you all find peace in the knowledge of eternity. We send lots of hugs and our love!
This is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. Love and prayers for her dear family!
I HAD THE PRIVILAGE OF HAVING “MRS. DAY” FOR MY ONE OF MY TEACHERS ALONG TIME AGO I ALSO HAD THE PRIVILAE OF HAVING BISHOP DAY AS MY BISHOP THEY ARE AN AWSOME COUPLE PEOPLE TO USE AS EXAMPLES OF EXEMPLARARY HEROS HANG ON TO YOUR MEMORIES AND WRITE THEM DOWN AS THEY COME TO YOU SHE WILL BE MISSED
i’m so sorry. I loved your mother.